An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)
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The translator’s English as printed (Kunja Lal Bhishagratna). The original-language text is not held; names are romanised as the translator printed them.
2 tliK SUSIIKUTA SAMUITA, t<^''ai'- 1is regarded as identical with the divine energy of eternal life (God), inasmuch as it is unconditional and absolute in its actions and effects, eternal and self-origined, and is subtile and all-pervading (like the sky and the atoms). It is the primary factor, which determines the principle of cause and effect in all forms of created things, whether mobile or immobile. It is so called (Vciyu) from the fact of its coursing (skr. Va — to move) throughout the universe. It determines the growth, origin and disintegration of all animated organisms, and as such, it receives the homage of all created brings. Although invisible in itself, yet its works are patent or manifest. It is cold, light, mobile, dry and piercing, and follows a transverse course. It is characterised by the two attributes (propcr-sensiblcs or Gunas) of sound and touch. It abounds in the fundamental quality of Rajas (principle of cohesion and action), is of inconceivable prowess, propels all the deranged or obstructing prinicples (Doshas) in the organism, (or in other words, is primarily concerned with the deranged principles of the body which are pathogenic in their actions). It is instantaneous in its action, and radiates or courses through the organism in constant currents. It has its primary field of action in the intestinal tract (Pakvadhana) and the rectum (Guda). In its deranged state, it is the principal factor, which, (in combination w^ith the deranged Pittam and Kapham\ lies at the root of all diseases, and is accordingly termed the king of diseases (Rogarat). 3.
The action of Vayu in its normal
State:— Now, hear me describe the symptoms, which mark the Vayu, as it courses through the organism. The Vayu, in its normal or undisturbed condition, maintains a state of equilibrium between the different Doshas and the root principles of the body (Dhatu) ; it further
Chap. I.] NIDAXA STIIAX.nr. 3
tends to maintain uniform state in the metabolism of the body, (protoplasmic, Agni*) and helps the organs of sense-perception in discharging their specific functions. The bodily Vayu, like the Pittam in the organism, is grouped under five different subheads according to the difference in its functions and locations, and is classified as the Prana, Udana. Samana, V}-ana and Apana.-j* These five classes of Va\-u, located in their specific regions, contribute towards the integration and maintenance of the bod}'. 4 — 6
The Prana Vayu : — The Va}-u. that courses in (governs)the cavity of the mouth. ^ is called the Prana. its function being to force down the food into the cavity of the stomach, and to assist the different vitalising principles of the bod}- (such as the internal heat or fire etc ) in discharging their functions in life, and to contribute to the general sustenance of the body. A deranged condition of this particular kind of Vayu (Prana) is usually followed by hic-cough,d}'spncca and other kindred distempers. 7.
The Udana Vayu : —The most important of the vital Va}'us, which courses (sends its vibrations) upward, is called the Udana. It produces speech, song, etc. In its deranged state it brings on diseases which are specifically confined to regions lying above the clavicles. 8,
The Samana Vayu :— The Samana Vayu courses in (governs) the stomach (Amashaya) and in the t The Prana Vayu is identical with the energy of the nerve centre in the medulla ; the Udana vilh that of the one which is situated in the speech centre. The Samana is same as the energy of the epigastric plexus, the Udar.a is same as the energy of the Motor-Sensory Nerves, and the Apana is iden'.ical with the force of the Hypogastric ple.xus.
* See Inlroduction Vol. I. p.p. XLVIII — XLIX Mahamahopadhyaya Dvatka Natha Kaviratna interprets this Agni as digestive heat {Jalhardoni).
% The field of its ac'ion includes the regions of the heart, throat, head and the nose.
^ TIIK SUSIFRUTA SAMIIITA. tChap. I.
rc:jion of intestines (Pakvashaya). Its functions consist in cli<'cstin<^- the chyme brought down into the intestines in unison with the digestive ferment (Agni), and especially in disintcorating its essence from its refuse or excreted matter. A deranged or aggravated condition of the Samana Vayu causes dyscntcr\-, Gulma, and impaired digestion, etc. 9.
The Vyana Vayu : —The Va\-u known as the Vyana courses (.acts) through the whole organism, and its functions consist in sending the lymph chyle etc. all through the body and in helping the out-flow of blood (Asrik^ and perspiration. Five kinds of muscular movements* are ascribed to the action of the Vyana VAyu, a deranged condition of which is generally attended with diseases which arc not confined to any particular region, member, or organ of the bod>-, but are found to affect the whole organism (such as, fever, etc). 10.
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